Ms. Edwina Smith

Biography

Ms. Edwina Smith joined McBride Elementary School as principal October 2020. Prior to coming to McBride, Ms. Smith served as the principal of Dexter Elementary School for 6 years. She came to the Georgia/Alabama District as an assistant principal at Faith Middle School in 2013. The following year she was promoted to principal of Dexter Elementary School. Ms. Smith led Dexter through two successful school accreditations in 2015 and 2019.

Prior to coming to Fort Moore, Ms. Smith served as an assistant principal with the DoDEA Virtual School in both the Korea and Okinawa hubs from 2010-2013. She was also served as a guidance counselor at Sullivan Elementary in Yokosuka, Japan from 2007-2010. She joined DoDEA in 1988 as a middle/high school mathematics/computer teacher at Pirmasens Elementary/High School in Germany. In 1995 she moved to Giessen Middle/High School, Germany where she served as a guidance counselor, mathematics/computer science teacher, athletic director, varsity basketball coach, and varsity soccer coach.

Ms. Smith started her teaching career at Leesville High School in the Fort Polk, La area. As a former military spouse, she and her family transitioned to Baumholder, Germany where she worked as an instructor with the Basic Skills Education Program providing Soldiers with on-duty instruction in reading and math. She also was a substitute teacher at Baumholder Middle/High School where she first learned about teaching in DoDEA.

Ms. Smith also taught at Fountain-Fort Carson High while she and her family were stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.

A native of New York City, Ms. Smith graduated from New York University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics/Computer Science Education. In 1997, she received her Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Maryland and also earned 45 credit hours in Educational Leadership.

Ms. Smith is the mother of two adult daughters who attended DoDEA schools in Germany. Her younger daughter was educated in DoDEA schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Ms. Smith has a 8- year old grandson, 4-year old twin granddaughters and a miniature poodle named Bentley.

Welcome Message

Welcome to McBride Elementary School!

On behalf of our faculty and staff, I welcome our new families and all returning families to School Year 2023-2024. McBride is a safe learning environment where military-connected students can reach their highest potential. Students are at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is “Excellence in Education, Every day for Every McBride student". The staff is committed to meeting the unique needs of each student. Our teachers provide instruction that is aligned with DoDEA standards and create opportunities for students to cultivate 21st learning skills, such as student collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, and technology. All K-5 students engage in STEM activities which requires them to utilize the Engineering Design Process. In addition, students have opportunities to develop their leadership skills by becoming a member of the Leadership/Safety Patrol. Other extra-curricular learning activities are Chorus, Morning Broadcasting, Fitness Club, Reading Club, etc.

Our School Improvement Plan involves building a collaborative learning environment and providing opportunities for students to engage in real world learning activities. Through teacher collaboration, co-planning, and data analysis, our teachers employ research-based instructional practices to increase student learning and give all students access to rigorous instruction and a productive learning environment.

April 2024, McBride Elementary School will participate in a District-wide accreditation. The key characteristics/categories by which we will be assessed are Culture of Learning, Leadership of Learning, Engagement of Learning, and Growth in Learning. We would like you to partner with us and actively engage in our school improvement process.

Finally, we look forward to partnering with you during the school year. We believe that communication between the school and home is critical for the success of our students. I encourage you to volunteer in the classroom, join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Continuous School Improvement Team, or participate in our school-wide celebrations and activities. Together we can ensure that McBride is a nurturing and safe learning environment for our students. Together we can make a difference in your child's life.

Your Partner-in-Education,
Ms. Edwina M. Smith
Principal